Benham chooses mayor

The Benham City Council appointed a new mayor during a meeting Thursday to take over the position left vacant by the departure of former mayor Shirley Dodd.

Council member Wanda Humphrey was sworn in following the meeting.

Council member David Kidwell nominated Humphrey for the mayor’s seat. Council member George Massey seconded the motion which passed without opposition. Council members Doug Robinson and Howard White were not present.

“She’s somebody that loves this little town and will help us dig out of this hole,” said Kidwell.

There were no other nominations.

The council also appointed Darrel Creech to the council seat left vacant by Humphrey’s appointment.

“I’m honored, and I’ll do the best I can,” said Humphrey after being sworn in.

During the meeting, the council addressed the issue of approximately $38,000 owed to the IRS.

According to Kidwell, the federal officials in charge of the investigation are not working due to the federal shutdown.

“Congress has shut down the government, but they’re not going to forgive the debt. Once they get going again, we still owe them the $38,000 plus,” said Kidwell.

Kidwell said a competent tax attorney would be located to aid the city with the tax issue.

The council discussed an issue with overtime at the city’s water plant.

According to Kidwell, overtime is necessary because bills weren’t paid to the proper agency to verify water quality.

“The federal government says the someone who is certified must be there at all times when water’s being pumped,” said Kidwell.

After some discussion, the council decided to check into the status of the interconnect system with Cumberland and Lynch.

In other activity:

* The council discussed the possibility of turning the city’s electric service over to Kentucky Utilities;

* The council discussed options on how to deal with some blighted housing.